Portable Bi-Functional Lip Cosmetic Product for Lip Makeup Application and Lip Makeup Removal

ABSTRACT

A lip cosmetic product ( 100 ) for selective application and removal of lip makeup is disclosed. The lip cosmetic product ( 100 ) comprises a cosmetic packaging ( 102 ) having a first container ( 104   a ) and a second container ( 104   b ) which are removable sealable using a handling unit ( 106 ), wherein the first container ( 104   a ) and the second container ( 104   b ) hold at least one discrete lip cosmetic including a lip makeup and a lip makeup remover.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product, in particular the present invention relates to a custom designed bi-functional lip cosmetic product for lip makeup application and lip makeup removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The usage of cosmetics was discovered dating back to the ancient civilization. Makeup used to be the status symbol for men and women indulged in applying makeup. People of the Sumerian civilization can be credited as the earliest users of lipstick. In the modern society, lipsticks are considered as one of the most important fashion items. They are easy to use and can create dramatic changes in the look and life of individuals who wears it.

Removing makeup is a very important part of a daily skin care regime as it washes away cosmetics and removes impurities that could lead to skin issues and irritation.

Commonly, a person would need to carry two different products, namely a lip makeup product and a lip makeup remover in two separate packaging. This leads to space consumption in either a cosmetic bag or a handbag.

Although removal of lip makeup product is sometimes possible with tissue wipes, it does not entirely remove the lip makeup without the usage of a product made for the purpose of makeup removal. The remnants of a lip makeup product could lead to lip darkening and pigmentation.

A separate applicator such as cotton pad, makeup remover towel or sponge is often needed to apply the makeup remover product to the lip. Further, it is time consuming for a woman who is on-the-go including but not limited to working professionals, stewardesses or actresses to use a makeup remover product by using a separate applicator that is not normally carried together especially for lip products.

Further, the introduction of long lasting or long wearing lip makeup has increased the difficulty of removal of the lip makeup before showering, after a gym or fitness event; or simply for a colour preference change which are difficult utilizing conventional techniques of using soap and water or by using tissue wipes.

During normal daily activities such as working, dining out or any social occasion it is inconvenient to carry multiple distinct items including a lip makeup remover together with cotton pads or other applicators. There is also a possibility of forgetting to carry the remover because it is not the norm for women to carry along a makeup removal product as part of an outing.

Having said the above, it is obvious that the existing lip makeup products and the existing method for lip makeup removal are facing some challenges to overcome. As such, there is a need to develop a portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product for combining lip makeup application and lip makeup removal in an effective manner whilst ensuring convenience, portability, ease of use and saving space in a cosmetic bag or purse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a lip cosmetic product for selective application and removal of lip makeup. The lip cosmetic product comprises a cosmetic packaging having a first container and a second container which are removably sealable using a handling unit, wherein the first container and the second container store at least one discrete lip cosmetic including a lip makeup and a lip makeup remover.

Typically, the lip makeup is selected from the group consisting of liquid lipstick, liquid lip gloss, liquid lip tint, liquid lip cream, lip oil and lip balm. And, the lip makeup remover is selected from the group consisting of oil-based lip makeup remover, cream-based lip makeup remover, gel-based lip make-up remover and liquid lip makeup remover.

Preferably, each of the first container and the second container comprises an open end and a closed end; a reservoir for storing the lip cosmetic; and external fastening means formed around a neck of the open end of the first container and the second container for removably sealing the first container and the second container to pre-designated sides of the handling unit.

According to the present invention, the handling unit is partitionable to a first open side and a second open side and comprises at least one applicator attached to one end of at least one stem, wherein the other end of the stem is attached to at least one non-open end of the first open side and/or the second open side. The handling unit also comprises internal fastening means formed on the inner surface of the first open side and the second open side to removably seal the first container and the second container with the handling unit by matching the external fastening means and the internal fastening means.

Further, the applicator is axially slidable in the reservoir and in contact with the lip cosmetic to facilitate dispensing of the product. The applicator is selected from the group consisting of a doe foot shaped applicator, a flat doe foot shaped applicator, a brush and a reservoir tip applicator. Typically, the brush is formed of bristles including synthetic bristles and natural bristles, wherein the synthetic bristles are selected from the group consisting of nylon, plastics and polyester and the natural bristles are formed from animal hair.

Alternatively, a roller ball is housed in a neck of the first container and/or the second container for application of the lip cosmetic. Furthermore, the first container and/or the second container are pourable to dispense a metered volume of the lip cosmetic.

Additional aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

In the appended drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product during storage, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the dimensions of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product, in accordance with an exemplary representation of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional isometric view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional isometric view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product when opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, the embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention. The numerical data or ranges used in the specification are not to be construed as limiting. The description and phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose a front view of a portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product (100) combining two discrete lip cosmetics for selective application and removal of lip makeup. The lip cosmetic product (100) comprises a cosmetic packaging (102) having a first container (104 a) and a second container (104 b) which are removably sealable using a handling unit (106). Each of these components of the lip cosmetic product (100) is explained in detail hereinafter.

According to the present invention, the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) store at least one discrete lip cosmetic including a lip makeup and a lip makeup remover. It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that even though the containers are referenced as first cosmetic container and second cosmetic container, either container can be used to store a lip makeup and a lip makeup remover. The lip makeup can be selected from but is not limited to liquid lipstick, liquid lip gloss, liquid lip tint, liquid lip cream, lip oil and lip balm. Also, the lip makeup remover can be selected from but is not limited to oil-based lip makeup remover, cream-based lip makeup remover, gel-based lip makeup remover and liquid lip makeup remover.

FIG. 2 shows the dimensions of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product (100) of the present invention. The portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product (100) is cylindrical in shape. However, the shape of the product (100) is not limited to a cylindrical shape and can be formed in any other shape which facilitates easy storage and dispensing of the lip cosmetics. According to an exemplary representation of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product (100), the length of the entire product (100) is 13 cm and the diameter of the product (100) is 1.4 cm.

Further, the individual containers (104 a or 104 b) measured from the bottom of the container to the top of the threaded fastener neck (114 a or 114 b) is 5.5 cm. These dimensions of the product (100) should not be construed as limiting as the dimensions may be increased or decreased to facilitate easy storage and dispensing of the lip cosmetics. FIG. 3 represents an isometric view of the portable bi-functional lip cosmetic product (100) when opened. As seen in FIG. 3, each of the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) comprises an open end (302 a, 302 b) and a closed end (304 a, 304 b). Each of the containers (104 a, 104 b) also includes a reservoir (108 a, 108 b) for storing a discrete lip cosmetic. For instance, if the first container (104 a) stores a lip makeup then the second container (104 b) stores a lip makeup remover and vice-versa. According to an aspect of the invention, the reservoir (108 a, 108 b) can hold 3 gm to 4.5 gm of the liquid lip cosmetic, typically, 3 gm of liquid lip makeup and 4.5 gm of liquid lip makeup remover.

It will be appreciated that the capacity of the reservoir's (108 a, 108 b) are not limited to the aforementioned values of 3 gm to 4.5 gm but can be increased or decreased based on various factors including portability, ease of storage, the product stored therein and extended usage of the lip cosmetic.

The containers (104 a, 104 b) also include external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) formed around a neck of the open end (302 a) of the first container (104 a) and a neck of the open end (302 b) of the second container (104 b) for removably sealing the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) to pre-designated sides of the handling unit (106). Further, the external surface of the lip cosmetic product (100) is made from a material selected from but not limited to plastic, glass, metal and alloy, preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

The handling unit (106) of the present invention is partitionable to a first open side (306 a) and a second open side (306 b). The handling unit (106) acts as a handle when either of the first container (104 a) or the second container (104 b) is opened for the purpose of applying the corresponding lip cosmetic onto a user's lips. The handling unit (106) acts as a container closure or cap for the lip cosmetic product (100) as well.

The handling unit (106) comprises at least one applicator (112) attached to one end of at least one stem (110 a and/or 110 b), wherein the other end of the stem is attached to at least one non-open end of the first open side (306 a) and/or the second open side (306 b). The applicator (112) is encased in each individual container (104 a and/or 104 b) wherein each container (104 a, 104 b) has a container neck that can be fastened into the handling unit (106) to connect the two containers (104 a and/or 104 b) as a single item or packaging (102).

The applicator (112) is axially slidable in the reservoir (108 a, 108 b) and in contact with the lip cosmetic to facilitate dispensing of the product. The applicator (112) is selectable from a doe foot shaped applicator, a flat doe foot shaped applicator, a brush and a reservoir tip applicator. Further, the brush can be formed of bristles including synthetic bristles and natural bristles. The material of the synthetic bristles is selected from but not limited to nylon, plastics and polyester. Alternatively, the natural bristles are formed from animal hair.

Preferably, the flat doe-foot shaped lip applicator is used for dispensing liquid lip makeup for its ability to hold and transfer more lip product to the lip, enabling the user to optimize the application of the liquid lip makeup onto the lip with minimal swipe. And, the synthetic nylon bristle applicator is used for dispensing liquid lip makeup remover for its ability to enable the user to pick up an optimum amount of the lip makeup remover from the container for a denser application directly to the lip. A synthetic nylon bristle is considered relatively non-porous. Apart from discouraging bacteria growth, it also prevents it from absorbing the lip makeup while being applied onto the lips in the makeup removal process. Thus, users are able to clean the synthetic bristle applicator (112) by wiping it with a piece of tissue or a cloth before the next use. This reduces a possibility of contaminating the lip makeup remover content.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, instead of having stem based applicators for dispensing the lip cosmetic from both the containers (104 a, 104 b), the lip cosmetic product (100) can have one stem-based applicator for one of the containers and a roller ball applicator for the other container. The roller ball can be housed in the neck of the first container (104 a) and/or the second container (104 b) for application of the lip cosmetic. Alternatively, the containers (104 a, 104 b) can be tilted or poured to dispense a metered volume of the lip cosmetic. For instance, one of the containers storing an oil-based lip makeup remover can be poured to dispense a predetermined volume onto a tissue or on a finger of the user for application on the lips.

The handling unit (106) also includes internal fastening means (308) formed on the inner surface of the first open side (306 a) and the second open side (306 b) to removably seal the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) with the handling unit (106) by matching the external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) and the internal fastening means (308). The external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) and internal fastening means (308) may be but are not limited to a threaded fastener and a snap fit fastener. Preferably, the external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) and internal fastening means (308) are threaded fasteners. Threaded fasteners are used because of their reliability and easy detachability. Threaded fasteners also have a self-locking property hence they can be used in any position either vertical or horizontal. They provide some form of seal, in order to secure the container contents and prevent spillage of contents from the container.

FIG. 4 to FIG. 8 illustrates the present invention in different views such as isometric views, front views and cross-sectional views.

As a whole, the present invention is able to overcome the conventional shortcomings of the prior art since the present invention is portable, convenient, easy to use and saves space in the user's handbag, purse or cosmetic kit. The present invention also enables active or ‘on-the-go’ lip cosmetic users with easy access to lip makeup as well as lip makeup removal in a portable bi-functional lip cosmetic packaging.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups therefrom.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements, as the use may be in one of the embodiments to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

REFERENCE SIGNS:

-   100 Lip cosmetic container -   102 Packaging -   104 a First container -   104 b Second container -   106 Handling unit -   108 a Reservoir -   108 b Reservoir -   110 a Stem -   110 b Stem -   112 Applicator -   114 a External fastening means -   114 b External fastening means -   302 a Open end of the first container -   302 b Open end of the second container -   304 a Closed end of the first container -   304 b Closed end of the second container -   306 a First open side -   306 b Second open side -   308 Internal fastening means 

1. A lip cosmetic product (100) for selective application and removal of lip makeup comprising: a cosmetic packaging (102) having a first container (104 a) and a second container (104 b) which are removably sealable using a handling unit (106), wherein the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) hold at least one discrete lip cosmetic including a lip makeup and a lip makeup remover.
 2. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lip makeup is selected from the group consisting of liquid lipstick, liquid lip gloss, liquid lip tint, liquid lip cream, lip oil and lip balm.
 3. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lip makeup remover is selected from the group consisting of oil-based lip makeup remover, cream-based lip makeup remover, gel-based lip makeup remover and liquid lip makeup remover.
 4. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) comprises: an open end (302 a, 302 b) and a closed end (304 a, 304 b); a reservoir (108 a, 108 b) for storing the lip cosmetic; and external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) formed around a neck of the open end (302 a, 302 b) of the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) for removably sealing the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) to pre-designated sides of the handling unit (106).
 5. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handling unit (106) is partitionable to a first open side (306 a) and a second open side (306 b) and comprises: at least one applicator (112) attached to one end of at least one stem (110 a and/or 110 b), wherein the other end of the stem is attached to at least one non-open end of the first open side (306 a) and/or the second open side (306 b); internal fastening means (308) formed on the inner surface of the first open side (306 a) and the second open side (306 b) to removably seal the first container (104 a) and the second container (104 b) with the handling unit (106) by matching the external fastening means (114 a, 114 b) and the internal fastening means (308).
 6. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the applicator (112) is axially slidable in the reservoir (108 a, 108 b) and in contact with the lip cosmetic to facilitate dispensing of the product.
 7. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the applicator (112) is selected from the group consisting of a doe foot shaped applicator, a flat doe foot shaped applicator, a brush and a reservoir tip applicator.
 8. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the brush is formed of bristles including synthetic bristles and natural bristles, wherein the synthetic bristles are selected from the group consisting of nylon, plastics and polyester and the natural bristles are formed from animal hair.
 9. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a roller ball is housed in a neck of the first container (104 a) and/or the second container (104 b) for application of the lip cosmetic.
 10. The lip cosmetic product (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first container (104 a) and/or the second container (104 b) is pourable to dispense a metered volume of the lip cosmetic. 